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Kennedy News

Note to Editors:
Media Invited To Last Planned Walkthrough Of Columbia Debris Hangar

With STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations winding down, a final planned media walkthrough of the KSC hangar currently housing the recovered parts of the orbiter Columbia is being offered to members of the press. The event will occur on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 4, 2003.

This final tour has been set up for media to follow a designated path across the Hangar floor as Reconstruction Chairman Mike Leinbach discusses activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. Reporters will be able to closely view and inspect the debris including the recovered parts from the left-hand wing and the left-hand reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) panels. Other pieces of the debris also will be available for close inspection.

To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

Leinbach will answer reporters’ questions as well as discuss NASA’s intentions for the future use and storage of the debris.

Media who desire to attend this event must make their intentions known to the KSC Press Site by close of business Tuesday, June 3.

Due to space limitations, the tour on June 4 will be divided into two sessions. The first session, beginning at 1 p.m., is reserved for TV and radio reporters only. The second session will begin at 3 p.m. and facilitate writers and still photographers. Since space is limited, access will be granted on a first requested basis.

Media who do not currently possess KSC credentials should submit their request via fax (321-867-2692) or e-mail Bruce.Buckingham-1@nasa.gov and include the following information:

· Full legal name · Title · Organization · Address · Telephone number · Date of birth · Place of birth · Social Security number · Country of citizenship

For additional information, please contact the KSC Press Site at 321-867-2468.